ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation

Also known as: ABS-CBN · ABS-CBN Corporation · "The Kapamilya Network" (brand identity) · Alto Broadcasting System – Chronicle Broadcasting Network (historical)

Media

Definition

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation (later ABS-CBN Corporation, PSE: ABS) was the Philippines’ largest media and entertainment conglomerate prior to the May 2020 non-renewal of its congressional franchise. Founded in 1946 by Judge Eugenio Lopez Sr. and Fernando Lopez, ABS-CBN operated the country’s dominant television network, radio stations, film production (Star Cinema), music label (Star Music), and digital platforms until the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a cease-and-desist order on May 5, 2020, following the expiry of its 25-year legislative franchise. The House Committee on Legislative Franchises subsequently voted on July 10, 2020 to deny the franchise renewal application — resulting in the closure of broadcast operations, mass layoffs, and the company’s pivot to digital and international content distribution. (Wikipedia — ABS-CBN)

Identities

Source Type	Identity
Wikipedia	ABS-CBN
Wikidata	ABS-CBN (Q59566)
DBpedia	ABS-CBN
ProductOntology	Organization / Corporation
Wiktionary	N/A
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)	Television broadcasting — Philippines
MeSH	N/A
NCBI Taxonomy	N/A
AGROVOC	N/A
Google Scholar	“ABS-CBN” franchise Philippines broadcast media
ConceptNet	N/A
OpenCyc	N/A

Also Known As

ABS-CBN
ABS-CBN Corporation
“The Kapamilya Network” (brand identity)
Alto Broadcasting System – Chronicle Broadcasting Network (historical)

Examples and Analogies

National media conglomerate analog: ABS-CBN’s pre-2020 structure was analogous to major national broadcast-media conglomerates globally — combining free-to-air TV, cable/satellite channels, radio, film production, music, publishing, and digital platforms under one corporate umbrella.

Usage Scenarios

1. National Broadcast Television (1946–2020)

Operated the Philippines’ most-watched TV network, including flagship news (TV Patrol, Bandila), entertainment programming, and sports coverage.

2. Regional Broadcast Network

The Regional Network Group (RNG) produced regional-language news and programming across the Visayas and Mindanao — including Northern Mindanao operations where Art Bonjoc Jr. served.

3. Digital and International Pivot (Post-2020)

Following the franchise denial, ABS-CBN pivoted to iWantTFC streaming, Kapamilya Channel (cable), A2Z (broadcast partnership with Zoe Broadcasting), and international content licensing.

Strategies

Multi-platform media conglomerate model (TV + radio + film + music + digital)
Star system talent development (contract artists across acting, singing, hosting)
Regional network for national-regional audience coverage

Security and Safety Measures

Operated under KBP Broadcast Code self-regulation
Subject to NTC technical regulation and congressional franchise requirements
Press freedom advocacy during and after the 2020 franchise fight

Historical Context

ABS-CBN traces its origins to Alto Broadcasting System (ABS), founded in 1946, which merged with Chronicle Broadcasting Network (CBN) in 1957 under the Lopez family. The network grew into the Philippines’ dominant broadcaster through the 1960s–2010s.

The network was shut down during martial law (1972–1986) and reopened after the EDSA revolution. Its modern era (1987–2020) saw ABS-CBN become the Philippines’ most profitable and influential media company.

On May 5, 2020, the NTC issued a cease-and-desist order after the network’s 25-year franchise expired. On July 10, 2020, the House Committee denied the franchise renewal — widely interpreted as politically motivated retaliation for critical coverage of the Duterte administration.

Challenges and Controversies

2020 Franchise Non-Renewal

The most consequential event in modern Philippine media history — 7,000+ employees laid off, regional newsrooms closed, press-freedom implications domestically and internationally.

Political Pressure

The franchise denial followed years of tension between ABS-CBN and the Duterte administration over coverage.

Post-2020 Business Model Viability

ABS-CBN’s post-2020 digital-first model is profitable but operates at a fraction of its pre-2020 scale and cultural influence.

References

Wikipedia — ABS-CBN